What the Food?

Season 2 finale is here and it's time to pop the lid on the world of Caviar! This luxurious delicacy has graced the tables of tsars, aristocrats, and celebrity chefs alike—but how did it go from a humble fish roe to a symbol of opulence and indulgence?

In this episode, we explore the fascinating journey of caviar, from its ancient Persian roots to its place at the pinnacle of haute cuisine. We’ll unravel the mysteries of how it's harvested, the varieties that reign supreme, and how it once transitioned from peasant fare to elite indulgence. Along the way, we’ll dip into the cultural significance of this tiny, briny bite and its surprising appearances in pop culture and history.

We’ll also highlight some modern twists, including the rise of sustainable farming and the chefs pushing the boundaries of what caviar can be in today’s culinary landscape. Whether you’re a connoisseur of beluga or just curious about this iconic luxury food, this episode will leave you craving more. Prepare to savor the rich and intriguing story of caviar!

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Theme music: “Celebration” by Alexander Nakarada. Available for use under the CC BY 4.0 license (www.creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Time to crack open the mystery of the Scotch Egg! This iconic British snack has seen it all—from posh London department stores to wartime rations, and even a gourmet revival in the trendiest gastropubs. But where did it really come from, and how did it go from being a travel snack for the upper crust to a staple of the British picnic?

In this episode, we dig into the murky origins of the Scotch Egg, exploring claims of invention from Fortnum & Mason and others who’ve tried to stake their claim. We’ll walk you through its journey through history, from its humble beginnings to its modern-day renaissance. We’ll also spill the beans on the wild creations born out of the annual Scotch Egg Challenge, where chefs from across the UK compete to take this classic to new heights.

So whether you’re a fan of the traditional pork sausage variety or prefer something a bit more adventurous, this episode is for you. Get ready for a delicious dive into the curious history of the Scotch Egg!

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Theme music: “Celebration” by Alexander Nakarada. Available for use under the CC BY 4.0 license (www.creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

It’s time to stir things up with the saucy saga of Chop Suey! In this episode, we’re diving into the deliciously complicated history of the iconic dish that’s as much a part of American takeaways as it is Chinese cuisine.

We kick things off by exploring the legendary origins of Chop Suey, from the streets of San Francisco’s Chinatown to the imperial kitchens of Qing Dynasty China. Was it the result of late-night improvisation for drunken miners, or does it have roots deep in Chinese culinary tradition? Spoiler: it’s a bit of both, and the truth is as tangled as the noodles on your plate.

But it’s not just about the legends – we also dig into historical records that show how a dish of leftovers and offal transformed into a Western favourite. We’ll take you through the cultural mash-up that made Chop Suey a staple across the globe, from the bustling kitchens of Guangdong to the American diners that gave it new life.

So, grab your chopsticks and get ready to learn how this humble stir-fry became a symbol of cultural fusion and culinary creativity. 

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave us a rating, and share it with your mates.

Want to show us some love? Support us at https://linktr.ee/WhatTheFoodPodcast or treat us to a cuppa at www.buymeacoffee.com/whatthefood.

Thanks for listening, and we’ll catch you on the next one!

Theme music: “Celebration” by Alexander Nakarada. Available for use under the CC BY 4.0 license (www.creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

It's time to unwrap the foiled sugary saga of Pop-Tarts! The iconic breakfast pastries that have toasted their way into the hearts of millions. From their crispy, frosted beginnings in the 1960s to their status as a pop culture phenomenon, we're exploring how Pop-Tarts became a toasted favourite. 

We head back in time to the post-war drive for convenience that led to their invention, touching on the fierce rivalry between Kellogg’s and Post that sparked the Pop-Tart revolution. We also talk about the ridiculous amount of ridiculous sounding ridiculous flavours.

But it’s not all sprinkles and frosting—this episode also covers the dark side of Pop-Tarts, from their questionable nutritional value to lawsuits involving flaming toasters and misleading labels. It's a treat you won’t want to miss!

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave us a rating, and share it with your mates.

Want to show us some love? Support us at https://linktr.ee/WhatTheFoodPodcast or treat us to a cuppa at www.buymeacoffee.com/whatthefood.

Thanks for listening, and we’ll catch you on the next one!

Theme music: “Celebration” by Alexander Nakarada. Available for use under the CC BY 4.0 license (www.creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

In this episode, we're uncorking the story of the Austrian Wine Scandal of 1985—a vintage tale of deceit, drama, and diethylene glycol. Imagine the picturesque vineyards of Austria, where a few unscrupulous winemakers decided to give their wines an illicit boost with a sweet but toxic twist.

Join us as we swirl through the details of this scandal that rocked the wine world. We'll explore how a handful of producers tainted their wines with antifreeze to enhance sweetness, sparking international outrage and a massive recall. This wasn’t just a small spill; it was a flood that threatened to drown Austria’s wine reputation.

We'll delve into the aftermath, including how the scandal led to stricter regulations and ultimately a renaissance in Austrian winemaking. This episode is a blend of scandal and redemption, showing how an industry can rise from the dregs to produce some of the world’s finest wines.

Ready to raise a glass to one of the most shocking chapters in wine history? Tune in and sip on the juicy details!

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave us a rating, and share it with your mates.

Want to show us some love? Support us at https://linktr.ee/WhatTheFoodPodcast or treat us to a cuppa at www.buymeacoffee.com/whatthefood.

Thanks for listening, and we’ll catch you on the next one!

Theme music: “Celebration” by Alexander Nakarada. Available for use under the CC BY 4.0 license (www.creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

We’re unwrapping the story of a beloved culinary staple—the sandwich! This versatile delight has traveled through time, evolving from ancient creations to a global favorite. We’ll dive into its rich history, starting with Hillel the Elder’s Passover creation, then moving to medieval Europe’s trencher plates, and finally, the 18th-century gaming tables of the Earl of Sandwich. Discover how the Industrial Revolution cemented the sandwich as the ultimate convenience food for workers, and how it landed in America, sparking a multitude of regional variations from the classic PB&J to the mighty Reuben. We’ll also explore some of history’s oddest sandwiches—popcorn and sardines, anyone?

Join us as we celebrate this humble yet ingenious invention that continues to delight and surprise. Ready to take a bite out of history? Tune in and savor the journey!

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave us a rating, and share it with your mates.

Want to show us some love? Support us at https://linktr.ee/WhatTheFoodPodcast or treat us to a cuppa at www.buymeacoffee.com/whatthefood.

Thanks for listening, and we’ll catch you on the next one!

Theme music: “Celebration” by Alexander Nakarada. Available for use under the CC BY 4.0 license (www.creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

In this episode we’re stirring up the rich, aromatic history of Plov, Uzbekistan's national dish! Plov isn’t just food; it’s a celebration, a symbol of community and hospitality that has been feeding hearts and souls for centuries. For Miles, he thinks it's all fake and this is one big April fools joke...

We travel back in time to uncover Plov’s Persian origins, explore its evolution along the Silk Road, and celebrate its role in the lavish feasts of Tamerlane’s empire. Join us, as we ladle out stories of it's cultural significance, and the timeless traditions that make Plov an enduring favorite.  Let’s dig into the delicious world of Plov together!

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave us a rating, and share it with your mates.

Want to show us some love? Support us at https://linktr.ee/WhatTheFoodPodcast or treat us to a cuppa at www.buymeacoffee.com/whatthefood.

Thanks for listening, and we’ll catch you on the next one!

Theme music: “Celebration” by Alexander Nakarada. Available for use under the CC BY 4.0 license (www.creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

In this episode, we're diving knife-first into the polarizing pot of Marmite, the yeasty spread that splits opinions as sharply as Brexit, blue steak or having a poo at work. Love it or hate it, Marmite’s rich history and distinctive flavor make it a British icon worth exploring.

From its inception in the breweries of Burton-upon-Trent to becoming a staple in wartime rations, Marmite's journey is as sticky as its texture. We’ll try our best to uncover how a German scientist’s discovery led to this nutrient-packed spread, and how Marmite became a crucial morale booster in the trenches of World War I.

We also explore Marmite's clever marketing which embraces its divisive nature with the legendary "Love it or hate it" campaign, turning this quirky spread into a cultural phenomenon. Grab your toast, because we're spreading the love (or hate) for Marmite!

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave us a rating, and share it with your mates.

Want to show us some love? Support us at https://linktr.ee/WhatTheFoodPodcast or treat us to a cuppa at www.buymeacoffee.com/whatthefood.

Thanks for listening, and we’ll catch you on the next one!

Theme music: “Celebration” by Alexander Nakarada. Available for use under the CC BY 4.0 license (www.creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Welcome back! In this episode we're diving into the deliciously intriguing salad bowl of history, and talking Caesar Salad. Was it really invented by a Roman emperor, or is there a more tangy and surprising story behind it? Join us as we try and piece it all together. Prepare for the usual concoction of fun facts, history and three idiots. Bon appétit!

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave us a rating, and share it with your mates.

Want to show us some love? Support us at https://linktr.ee/WhatTheFoodPodcast or treat us to a cuppa at www.buymeacoffee.com/whatthefood.

Thanks for listening, and we’ll catch you on the next one!

Theme music: “Celebration” by Alexander Nakarada. Available for use under the CC BY 4.0 license (www.creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Join us and sink your teeth into the sweet, pillowy goodness of doughnuts! From ancient fried doughballs to modern-day gourmet wonders, we look at how a wartime comfort has evolved into a symbol of culinary creativity worldwide. This episodes takes some strange turns as we discuss the trenches of the First World War, the inventive hands of Captain Hanson Gregory, and a secret doughnut society shrouded in mystery... Oh wait! That's not creepy fog, it's just powdered sugar! Grab a coffee and let's dunk into history. Just whatever you do, don't get your fingers wet!

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave us a rating, and share it with your mates.

Want to show us some love? Support us at https://linktr.ee/WhatTheFoodPodcast or treat us to a cuppa at www.buymeacoffee.com/whatthefood.

Thanks for listening, and we’ll catch you on the next one!

Theme music: “Celebration” by Alexander Nakarada. Available for use under the CC BY 4.0 license (www.creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)